Get to know LNS Research
We are a mission and vision-driven organization that takes exceptional pride in our professional, collaborative, and approachable team of experts.

We are on a mission to empower industry leaders to transform their organizations
Our vision is a world where industrial companies are agile, autonomous, and sustainable
We are a group of researchers and subject matter experts that are committed to:
Integrity
Innovation
Collaboration
Growth
Expert Analyst Team
Tom Comstock
Research Fellow
Tom Comstock conducts research on a broad range of Industrial-Transformation topics, utilizing his 35+ years of experience in industrial and manufacturing software, marketing, and product management.
Main coverage areas:
- IX Readiness
- Factory of the Future
- Quality Management
Peter Bussey
Senior Advisor
Peter Bussey has 35+ years of global experience in manufacturing, consulting, and technology to support EHS management, sustainability, R&D, risk management, supply chain, and more. He holds an MS in Environmental Health from Harvard University.
Main coverage areas:
- Environmental, Health and Safety (EHS)
- Sustainability
- Future of Industrial Work
Vivek Murugesan
Research Analyst
Vivek Murugesan supports primary research across IX Readiness, Quality 4.0, and industrial Analytics. He also manages the quantitative analysis of LNS Research studies, creating data models, including maturity models, market sizing, and more.
Main coverage areas:
- Industrial Analytics
Bob Francis
Research Analyst
Bob Francis has 25+ years of experience in industrial technology and software and has held executive positions at industry-leading technology-related organizations.
Main coverage areas:
- Autonomous Operations
- Asset Performance Management (APM)
- Risk Management
- Artificial Intelligence
- Machine Learning
Allison Kuhn
Research Analyst
Allison Kuhn has 20+ years of experience in process/project engineering working at Riverwood International, the US Air Force, and the US Department of Energy Strategic Petroleum Reserves. She also has held leadership roles at notable companies within the chemical industry.
Main coverage areas:
- Environmental, Health and Safety (EHS)
- Sustainability
- Future of Industrial Work
James Wells
Research Analyst
James Wells has 25+ years of experience in Quality and continuous improvement, implementing quality management systems, and leading digital transformation initiatives across several industry sectors. James has also led four Lean Six Sigma deployments and is a certified Master Black Belt and Lean Specialist.
Main coverage areas:
- Quality 4.0
- Factory of the Future
Niels Andersen
Principal Research Analyst
Niels Andersen conducts research on a broad range of Industrial Transformation topics, utilizing his 30+ years of experience in industrial technology and software, and has held executive positions at industry-leading organizations.
Main coverage areas:
- Factory of the Future
- IX Readiness
- Industrial Analytics
- Software Architecture
Leadership Team
Matthew Littlefield
Research Leader
Matthew Littlefield is Co-founder, President, and Research Lead at LNS Research. He leads the organization as it fulfills its mission of driving industrial transformation. and contributes to research across the breadth of topics covered by the firm.
Matt is a recognized industry expert, an active speaker, and contributing author across many industry publications, associations, and events. His passion, however, is advising manufacturing executives on Industrial Transformation and Operational Excellence.
Mehul Shah
Commercial Leader
Mehul Shah is the Co-Founder and Senior Associate at LNS Research. He advises industrial executives in their Operational Excellence and Industrial Transformation initiatives.
Mehul is instrumental in the work LNS Research conducts with clients as they develop and refine the organizational culture, operational architecture, and processes necessary for true and beneficial Industrial Transformation.
Diane Sacra
Marketing Leader
Diane Sacra is the Director of Marketing at LNS Research, leading the research firm's integrated marketing communications and helping to share the company's compelling story with the world.
Diane has 20+ years of experience leading companies' marketing and communications programs within a variety of industries, including Automotive, Insurance, IT, Telecommunications, Wholesaling, and Supply Chain/Logistics.
Sera Holt
Operations Leader
Sera Holt is Director of Operations at LNS Research, covering several cross-functional areas. She provides key leadership throughout several aspects of the organization from Finance, IT, and Sales Operations to Legal, Human Resources, and administration.
Sera has 20+ years of experience in operations, administration, logistics, and procurement across multiple industries, including public utilities, mobile technology, packaging, commercial construction, and banking.